Delicious Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf Recipe You’ll Love

Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food that promises to please even the pickiest eaters. Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, savory loaf infused with tender zucchini that not only adds flavor but also sneaks in some extra nutrition. The smell wafting from the oven will have your family gathering in anticipation, and trust me, it’s a treat you won’t want to miss. For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili recipe.

This dish isn’t just about taste; it’s about memories too. I remember my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of meatloaf would fill the air every Sunday evening. Now, I’ve taken her beloved recipe and added my own spin with zucchini. serve with Butter Braised Cabbage This Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends, promising a flavorful experience that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Turkey: Leaner than beef, ground turkey keeps this dish light while still providing that satisfying meatloaf texture.
• Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the loaf together while adding a bit of crunch.
• Eggs: Eggs help hold everything together and give the meatloaf its structure, so don’t skip them!
• Onion: Diced onion contributes aromatic flavor; sautéing them first enhances their sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that savory punch we all crave in our comfort food.
• Ketchup: A classic topping that adds sweetness and tang; you can also mix some into the meat mixture for extra flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Grate about one medium zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and twist it to remove excess moisture—trust me, soggy meatloaf is not the goal here!

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a frying pan over medium heat, add a touch of olive oil and sauté one diced onion until it becomes translucent—about five minutes should do. Add two cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, squeezed zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and half of your ketchup. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatloaf.

Step 5: Transfer to Loaf Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared loaf pan and shape it into an even loaf shape. Spread the remaining ketchup on top as a glaze—the secret weapon for an irresistible finish!

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about one hour or until an internal thermometer reads at least 165°F (75°C). Once done, let it rest for ten minutes before slicing.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional ketchup or serve with mashed potatoes for an ultimate comfort meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mix all the ingredients. Shape the meatloaf and place it in a greased pan. Bake for about an hour, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef if you prefer. Add shredded cheese or diced bell peppers for extra flavor. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano to find your perfect combination. For more inspiration, check out this Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

I once made this Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf for a potluck, and my friends devoured it! They couldn’t believe how delicious it was and asked for seconds (and thirds) – I felt like a culinary rock star that day!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf?

To make a delicious Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf, you’ll need ground turkey, grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, an egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. You can also add ketchup or barbecue sauce for extra flavor. These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful meatloaf that is perfect for family dinners. Feel free to customize the recipe by incorporating additional vegetables or spices based on your taste preferences.

How long does Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf take to cook?

Cooking Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf typically takes about 1 hour in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your oven’s efficiency and the size of the meatloaf. Using a meat thermometer can help you achieve perfect results every time.

Can I freeze Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf?

Yes, you can freeze Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf! After cooking and cooling it completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This will protect it from freezer burn and preserve its flavor. enjoy it alongside Chicken and Wild Rice Soup When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This method allows you to have a convenient meal ready for busy days.

What can I serve with Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf?

Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. You could also try roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for a healthier option. pair it with Tuscan White Bean Soup The versatility of this dish allows you to mix and match sides based on your dietary preferences and seasonal availability of ingredients.

Conclusion for Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf:

In summary, Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf offers a healthy twist on a classic comfort food favorite. By using lean ground turkey and incorporating zucchini, this recipe not only delivers great taste but also packs in added nutrition. finish with a Spiced Cardamom Pumpkin Roll Cooking time is manageable, making it an excellent choice for any weeknight dinner or meal prep session. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and side dishes while savoring this delightful dish!

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Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Turkey Zucchini Meatloaf is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional meatloaf that your family will adore. This moist and savory dish combines lean ground turkey with shredded zucchini, adding extra flavor and nutrition without compromising taste. Ideal for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this meatloaf is sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium zucchini, grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, drained zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, half of the ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
5. Shape the mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan and spread remaining ketchup on top.
6. Bake for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 140g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 75mg